Primary sourceSpeech10 December 1797
Speech to the Directory
Napoleon · 10 December 1797
Napoleon's address to the French Directory in December 1797, presenting the peace treaty of Campo Formio after his Italian victories.
Napoleon's own speech to France's governing Directory, showing his rising political standing after military victories.
About this source
What it is
This speech was delivered by Napoleon Bonaparte to the French Directory on 10 December 1797. In it he presents the treaty he negotiated and reflects on the political changes in France and Europe. The text survives among his collected works.
Why it matters
The speech shows Napoleon not just as a soldier but as a political figure addressing France's governing body directly. It reveals his growing influence and the way he framed his military achievements as serving the ideals of the French Republic.
Look closer
- How does Napoleon describe the French Revolution and its goals?
- What tone does he use when speaking to the Directory — humble or confident?
- What does this speech suggest about his political ambitions at this time?
This speech is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Napoleon Bonaparte on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.
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